Doug Nussmeier: 5 Interesting Things to Know about the Gators OC

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Jul 15, 2015; Birmingham, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban speaks to ESPN during SEC media day at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban once begged Nussmeier to call more passing plays

Many questioned why Nussmeier decided to leave Alabama for Michigan University in 2014, especially since the Crimson Tide reached record offensive success during his time there.

Alabama had a record of 13-1 and won both the SEC and National Championships during Nussmeier’s first year there.

He helped coached A.J. McCarron to 30 touchdown passes with only three interceptions and featured an offense built around Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon, who combined for 2,400 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns.

But for some reason this irked head coach Nick Saban enough for him to say that he once begged Nussmeier (and other past OCs) to throw the ball more often.

Apparently Saban reasoned that with the athletes that Alabama possesses every year, they should be one of the annual top passing offenses.

This difference in coaching philosophy is believed to be why Nussmeier left for the Michigan position, ultimately making his way to Gainesville.

Next: He's known Jim McElwain for 25 years